Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a naturally occurring hormone produced during pregnancy. Therapeutically, injectable HCG is used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to trigger final maturation of eggs and ovulation. It’s also prescribed—under strict medical supervision—as part of very low-calorie weight-loss programs to help preserve lean muscle mass.
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When HCG is low or absent in early pregnancy:
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Missed periods
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Light spotting or bleeding
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Pregnancy test negative despite symptoms
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As an injection side-effect (rare):
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Injection-site redness or swelling
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Mild headache or fatigue
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Mood swings or irritability
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Infertility: Anovulation or luteal-phase defects requiring ovulation trigger
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IVF Protocols: Final oocyte maturation before egg retrieval
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Weight-Loss Protocols: HCG paired with calorie restriction (under supervision)
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Hypogonadism Support: In men, to stimulate testosterone production via LH-like activity
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Follicle Maturation: Leading to timed insemination or IVF retrieval
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Luteal Support: To maintain corpus luteum function and early pregnancy
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Dietary Protocols: Very low-calorie diets require HCG to reduce muscle catabolism
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Hormonal Imbalances: Secondary hypogonadism needing gonadotropin support
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Baseline Hormone Panel: FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin to assess ovarian reserve
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Ultrasound Monitoring: Follicle size and endometrial thickness before HCG trigger
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Serial HCG Levels: In early pregnancy to confirm viable intrauterine pregnancy
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Testosterone & Gonadotropins: In men to gauge response when used for hypogonadism
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Clinical Observations: Monitoring for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk
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HCG Injection Protocols:
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5,000–10,000 IU IM/SC once, timed to ovulation in ART cycles
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1,500–2,000 IU low-dose “trigger” regimens to reduce OHSS risk
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Weight-Loss Adjunct:
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125–200 IU SC daily with 500–800 kcal/day diet (not routine—requires medical supervision)
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Combination Therapies:
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Clomiphene or Letrozole + HCG for multi-follicular stimulation
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GnRH agonist/antagonist protocols followed by HCG or GnRH-agonist trigger
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Monitoring & Supportive Care:
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Ultrasound and estradiol checks to prevent OHSS
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Adequate hydration and thrombosis prophylaxis if high OHSS risk
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Q1: When should I administer my HCG injection?
A: Typically 36 hours before planned egg retrieval or intrauterine insemination, as directed by your specialist.
Q2: Can HCG injections cause multiple pregnancies?
A: By stimulating multiple follicle releases, there is a higher chance of twins or more—monitoring and dosing adjustments help manage this risk.
Q3: What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
A: OHSS is a potential complication of HCG triggering—symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and fluid retention; prompt medical attention is needed if severe.
Q4: Is the HCG weight-loss protocol safe?
A: Very low-calorie diets with HCG are controversial and require strict medical oversight; they are not widely endorsed by mainstream guidelines.
Q5: Can men use HCG injections?
A: Yes—HCG mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production in cases of hypogonadism or azoospermia, improving sperm parameters under specialist care.